Supporting Better Broadband and Mobile Access Across the UK
The Digital Connectivity Portal is the UK government’s central hub for speeding up the rollout of gigabit broadband and 5G mobile networks. It provides clear guidance for local authorities, network providers, and property developers, helping everyone work together to improve the UK’s digital infrastructure quickly and efficiently.
Why It Matters to You
Faster, more reliable broadband and mobile coverage isn’t just a technical goal, it affects everyday life:
- Work and learning: Better connectivity makes remote work, online courses, and home learning smoother.
- Business and entrepreneurship: Faster networks support small businesses, startups, and digital innovation.
- Public services: Telehealth, smart energy management, and traffic monitoring all rely on strong connectivity.
- Social inclusion: Ensures rural and underserved areas aren’t left behind in the digital world.
In short, the Portal helps make sure everyone benefits from faster, more reliable internet and mobile coverage, whether you live in a city or a remote village.
What’s the Goal?
The government is committed to:
- Achieving nationwide gigabit-capable broadband.
- Delivering majority 5G coverage by 2027.
These goals are part of the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR), which sets out how the UK will create the right conditions for investment, remove deployment barriers, and maximise the social and economic benefits of faster digital connectivity.
The Portal supports flagship programmes such as:
- Project Gigabit: bringing gigabit-speed internet to hard-to-reach and rural areas.
- Shared Rural Network (SRN): improving 4G and 5G coverage across underserved regions.
Who the Portal Is For
The Portal provides tailored support and resources for:
Local Authorities
- Learn how to streamline planning permissions and wayleaves.
- Use templates and case studies to enable faster deployments.
- Access guidance on using public sector assets for telecoms infrastructure.
Network Providers
- Work effectively with councils and public bodies.
- Understand your rights under the Electronic Communications Code (Part 4A).
- Adopt best practices for smoother and faster rollouts.
Property Developers
- Ensure new homes and commercial buildings are “digital ready”.
- Integrate gigabit-capable infrastructure during construction.
- Align developments with future connectivity needs.
What Resources Are Available?
The Digital Connectivity Portal offers a wide range of regularly updated tools, including:
- Barrier Busting Handbook: Practical tips to reduce delays in deployments.
- Street Works Toolkit: Best practices for working in public spaces.
- Part 4A Guidance: Legal info on installing broadband in multi-dwelling units and public buildings.
- Planning and wayleave templates: Streamline permissions and access agreements.
- Case studies: Real-world examples of successful rollouts.
- Regulatory guidance: Stay up to date with telecoms legislation.
Why the Portal Matters
Better broadband and mobile access unlocks:
- Remote working, online learning, and digital entrepreneurship.
- Economic growth in rural and urban communities.
- Smarter public services like telehealth, traffic management, and smart energy.
- Social inclusion, ensuring no area is digitally left behind.
The Portal supports a joined-up approach, aligning public and private sector efforts to deliver fast, futureproof digital infrastructure across the UK.
Don’t Forget
If you’re upgrading your broadband or moving into a new home, it’s also a great opportunity to improve your energy efficiency.
You might be eligible for free insulation and heating improvements through schemes such as ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
These programmes can help you save money on energy bills while keeping your home warmer and more environmentally friendly. Check your eligibility today, it only takes a few minutes and could unlock extra support for your home and family.
People Also Ask
What is the meaning of digital connectivity?
Digital connectivity refers to the ability of devices, networks, and people to communicate and share information via fixed-line, mobile, and wireless internet connections. It encompasses the infrastructure and technologies that enable fast communication, information exchange, and social interaction, impacting areas like business, education, public services, and everyday life.
What is the UK government's gigabit broadband voucher scheme?
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme helps homes and businesses access high-speed gigabit broadband in areas without Project Gigabit contracts or commercial coverage. Eligible users can receive vouchers worth up to £4,500 to help cover installation costs, supporting faster and more widespread digital connectivity across the UK.
What is the difference between broadband and digital connectivity?
Broadband is the internet service delivered to homes via cables or phone lines, while digital connectivity refers to the broader ecosystem of technologies that enable devices and networks to communicate. Digital connectivity relies on broadband and other infrastructures to transmit data efficiently.
Is 5G being rolled out in the UK?
Yes, 5G is being gradually rolled out across the UK, with coverage currently concentrated in select towns and cities. As of 2025, 5G now covers 62% of the UK’s landmass, up from 55% the previous year. The government aims for majority 5G coverage by 2027.
Who owns the internet lines in the UK?
Openreach owns the largest fibre broadband network in the UK and is the main provider of telephone lines. They operate much of the country’s broadband infrastructure, making them a key partner in network expansion and digital connectivity projects.
What is the Council on Broadband Connectivity recommendation?
The Council on Broadband Connectivity recommends measures to foster competition, investment, and innovation in broadband development. It also emphasizes reducing barriers, closing digital divides, and ensuring networks are resilient, reliable, and secure.
What is the Shared Rural Network (SRN)?
The Shared Rural Network is a UK government initiative aimed at improving mobile coverage in rural areas. It involves collaboration between mobile network operators to deliver 4G coverage to 95% of the UK’s landmass and additional coverage to at least 280,000 premises and 16,000 km of roads by the end of the programme.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
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